GW Men's Soccer Defeats Richmond, 2-1, in Atlantic 10 Opener

RICHMOND, Va. - Down 1-0 early, the George Washington men's soccer team scored two unanswered goals to defeat Atlantic 10 rival Richmond, 2-1, on Friday evening in the conference opener for both teams at the Spiders' Robins Stadium.

GW (4-6-0, 1-0-0 A-10) took three of the first four shots of the game, but it was Richmond (4-6-0, 0-1-0 A-10) which struck first. Just 12:50 into the game, the Spiders were granted a penalty kick, which midfielder Houston Oldham converted for a 1-0 lead.

The Colonials tied it up just over eight minutes later, when senior Zach Abaie sent a pass from the right side to freshman Ross Higgins, who headed the ball into the net for his first career goal. The game was knotted, 1-1, at halftime.

The score remained deadlocked for more than 20 minutes into the second stanza, but at the 67:25 mark, freshman Jonny Forrest received a throw-in and crossed the ball in front of Richmond goalkeeper Thomas Hand near the far post. Junior Bailey Hinners made a great run to the ball and beat Hand in the air, burying a header in the goal for the eventual game-winner.

Both of Hinners' goals this season have proven to be the difference in Colonials' victories, while the assist was the first point in Forrest's collegiate career.

With three seconds left, the Spiders were granted a free kick, but GW senior goalie Alejandro Almodovar recorded his career-high ninth save to preserve GW's 2-1 win.

Hand stopped three shots for Richmond, which outshot the Colonials, 20-11, including 14-4 in the second half. The Spiders also held an 8-2 advantage on corner kicks.

The Colonials return to action on Sunday, when they visit regionally ranked A-10 newcomer VCU at 4 p.m.